8 Powerful Lessons Prison Ministry Has Taught Me
Shared insights from Michelle Manthey and Heather Albrecht
1. Humility: We’re All Capable of Mistakes
"For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God..." - Romans 3:23
I’ve come to realize that most of us are just one bad decision away from prison. Every person, no matter their background, is capable of making a choice that carries lasting consequences. Remembering this truth keeps me humble and strips away any sense of “us” versus “them.”
People from all walks of life are susceptible to sin, but they’re also capable of healing and transformation. Many men and women I meet have faced deep trauma, abuse, poverty, or addiction. Yet I’ve also seen Jesus bring restoration and hope into lives that the world had written off.
2. Seeing Beyond the Word “Prison”
"Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." - 1 Samuel 16:7
Most people, when they hear the word prison, instinctively flinch or pull back, imagining only what they’ve seen on TV. But at its heart, prison ministry isn’t about buildings or bars, it’s about people. Wounded, sometimes troubled, always flawed, yet people in need of hope, love, and security just like the rest of us. When we look beyond the institution and see the people, our perspective shifts. Fear gives way to compassion.
3. Hope: Healing Through Christ
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." - Psalm 147:3
The most encouraging moments are when we see true healing begin, not just surface-level change, but the kind of hope that only Jesus can bring. This hope isn’t reserved for “the good ones” or “the repentant ones,” it’s for everyone, regardless of their past.
4. Grace: Giving What We’ve Been Given
"God is rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins. " - Ephesians 16:7
Every person deserves kindness, grace, love, and mercy, not because they’ve earned it, but because God first gave it to us. We can extend it freely because we’ve experienced it ourselves. This is why we keep showing up, even when the stories are hard to hear and the situations are heavy.
5. Presence: Showing Up Like God Does
"Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you, I will help you." - Isaiah 41:10
One of the things prisoners often express is gratitude that we show up for them, consistently and without judgment. They know we understand the reality of their situation and still choose to be there. It’s a reflection of how God meets us exactly where we are, without hesitation.
6. Reality: Faith Grows in All Conditions
"For we live by faith, not by sight and without faith it's impossible to please God." - 2 Corinthians 5:7
Some we meet are growing in their faith, holding onto hope despite their circumstances, and boldly sharing their stories. Others remain bitter, blaming others and staying stuck. God meets both with the same willingness to redeem, whether it’s inside a church, a prison, or anywhere in between.
7. Dependence: God Provides the Words
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not your own understanding." - Proverbs 3:5-6
Personally, I often feel the presence of God more strongly in prison than anywhere else. I lean on Him to give me the words and the wisdom to share hope. I rarely arrive with a perfect plan, but when I’m willing to listen, He provides exactly what’s needed. Again and again, He reminds me to stay faithful to this calling, and to obey Him in it.
8. The Power of the Body of Christ
"Comfort yourselves together and edify one another." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Nowhere have I felt the importance of the body of Christ more strongly than in prison ministry. God uses our differences, our personalities, experiences, and knowledge to reach people in unique ways. I’ve seen Him work powerfully through volunteers in ways I could not, reminding me not to compare but to celebrate our unity. We were never meant to do this alone. Together, we are stronger and more effective.
In conclusion, prison ministry has shown me that God's Word breaks through walls, softens hearts, and reminds us that no one is ever beyond His reach.
“In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:37-39
This verse is more than a promise; it’s a reality we witness in prison ministry. It’s a reminder that no matter where we are or what we’ve done, God’s love reaches us. Over the years of serving in prisons, I’ve learned some powerful truths that keep me humble, hopeful, and committed to showing up.
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